MINNESOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Minnesota veterans with PTSD turn to the outdoors to improve mental health

Erica Zurek / MPR News — Tue, 27 May 2025 17:32:50 GMT

Nothing could stop Sandi Braunstein from carving her way down a ski run at Snowmass Resort in Colorado. She glided over the snow alongside her two coaches, Jeff and Erik, who were there to instruct and support her as she made turns down the mountain.

Braunstein uses a bi-sit ski, which consists of a molded seat mounted on a frame with two skis underneath. This adaptive equipment is designed for people who ski in a seated position and might have difficulty balancing on traditional skis.

“When you go down the hill, it is both thrilling and terrifying,” she said. “I’m like, don’t fall, don’t fall, don’t fall.”

Braunstein is a full-time mom, student and hobby farmer in Grand Rapids. She is also a military veteran who served for nearly a decade in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

During a training exercise in the Guard, she broke her leg and three vertebrae in her back. After seven unsuccessful surgeries over the span of nine years, Braunstein elected to have her left leg amputated below the knee. Now she is an avid member of the group Disabled American Veterans. That is why she was downhill skiing in Colorado.

“I love sports, and this is the winter sports clinic that they do every year. I skipped last year, so I am happy to be back on the slopes,” Braunstein said.

Returning to civilian life after military service can be a welcome change, but the abrupt transition can also be stressful and overwhelming. The reintegration process can feel isolating, and especially difficult for veterans who come back from long or dangerous deployments, or who found a deep sense of community in the military. Reentry can provoke anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

Braunstein has been exposed to multiple traumas over the course of her life and lives with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

She said nature has a positive influence on her mental health.

“Even if you go to a park, just touch the grass,” Braunstein said. “I know it sounds mundane, but it helps. It has helped.”

Spending time engaging in outdoor recreation is known to improve general health and well-being. And research shows that veterans, in particular, benefit from outdoor activities as part of a complementary approach to treating mental health.

Studies indicate that outdoor recreation and multi-day wilderness trips can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Outdoor excursions also build on veterans’ strengths and can echo positive aspects of military service, like being physically challenged, having a defined purpose and building camaraderie.

“To me, it’s more healing and fulfilling than anything else I’ve experienced,” Braunstein said. “I’ve met so many incredible people, and I’ve done so many incredible things that I don’t think I would have had the spirit to do otherwise.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says about 13% of female veterans and 6% of male veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD. The percentage is higher for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans.

Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance and detachment manifest differently from person to person. They can persist for an extended period of time and impact a person’s relationships, ability to work and daily activities.

The Veterans Administration’s health care system sets clinical practice guidelines to identify first-line treatments for PTSD. Psychiatric medication may be included in the treatment plan, but psychotherapy is generally the first line of treatment.

Engaging in beneficial activities, such as wilderness adventures, can complement both medication and therapy.

Getting outside is something Matthew Kaler, a psychologist with the Veterans Administration in Minneapolis, encourages wholeheartedly. He said it is a way for people to introduce rewards into their day-to-day life that may have been taken from them by their symptoms.

“Getting to a place where you feel like you have meaning in your life again is critically important, and so we want to encourage people to find those things that fit for them,” Kaler said.

Some veterans have found that fit and are sharing it with others.

Sean Gobin lives in southern Virginia and served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marines. Gobin was a tank platoon commander in 2003 during the initial invasion of Iraq and fought in Fallujah in 2005. He then spent 2011 in Afghanistan training the Afghan national security forces. Gobin says this was his breaking point.

“I did not realize it at the time, but I was obviously struggling with pretty severe post-traumatic stress symptoms. I was having a really hard time connecting with people and talking to people and being around people. It was a lot,” he said. “I was like, I have to get out. I have to make a change or else everything is just going to implode.”

On Gobin’s last day in uniform, he left his base in North Carolina and headed to Springer Mountain, Georgia, to begin a 2,200-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. He trekked across rugged mountainous terrain all the way to Maine to “walk off the war.”

“What started as a bucket list item of something I always wanted to do since I was a kid — and I just looked at as a personal physical challenge — ultimately ended up saving my life,” Gobin said.

It took him four and a half months to hike through 14 states on the Appalachian Trail.

“Towards the end of the trail, I was like, wow, this has been so beneficial to me,” Gobin said. “I wonder if it would be beneficial to others.”

The experience inspired him to form a nonprofit called Warrior Expeditions, an outdoor therapy program that aims to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences and recover from PTSD.

Vets process their traumas, reconnect socially and improve their physical health through long-distance hiking, paddling and biking expeditions. The trips last three to six months.

“There’s enough duration within the experience to actually rewire the brain,” Gobin said.

Numerous studies show that spending time outside has a direct impact on the brain and body. Outdoor experiences can lower blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol and improve cognitive function.

Gobin said being on extended outdoor trips allows for decompression and the ability to process emotions.

Warrior Expeditions collaborates with two psychologists who are also veterans. They measure post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression among participants before and after each journey. They say the results show a clear reduction in symptoms and an improvement in psychological well-being. Gobin said when you see somebody at the end of a trip, it’s like a light switch was turned on.

“Eyes are bright. They are super exuberant and enthusiastic while talking and telling you about everything, and they are laughing,” he said. “It is a night-and-day difference in interacting with the person I met six months ago.”

Veteran advocacy groups around the U.S. successfully backed federal legislation in 2020 that launched programs and policies to help veterans with reintegration, mental health and treatment. The legislation also requires a Veterans Administration task force to research the benefits of outdoor recreation therapy.

Trent Dilks is the Minnesota legislative director for the group Disabled American Veterans. He advocates for veterans at the state and federal levels and said the VA task force study is overdue. Dilks also served 10 years with the Minnesota National Guard and did two combat tours in Iraq.

“Being in Iraq and seeing all of that, and then the culture shock of coming back to all of the excess and all of the things and all of the noise here, it was difficult,” he said. “I was restless. I was not comfortable where I was. I was dealing with a lot of anxiety. Later, I would realize it was post-traumatic stress.”

Dilks coped with his PTSD in destructive ways by partying and trying to numb his feelings. He tried therapy and medication but did not like how the drugs made him feel. Dilks recognized that he needed to find his own path to healing. A significant part of that journey involved spending time outdoors.

With a burst of excitement, Dilks grabbed his phone and tapped open a video from a trip to Colorado. In the clip, he and his former roommate from Iraq are summiting a peak. Snow is blowing in every direction.

“It was him and I hiking up there, and the wind gusts were just absolutely crazy,” he said.

Watching the video, Dilks burst into laughter, and a smile spread across his face as he noticed the icicle hanging from his beard. He said that whenever life feels difficult, he returns to the outdoors, because nothing beats fresh air and the space to breathe.

This story is part of Call to Mind, American Public Media and MPR's initiative to foster new conversations about mental health.

Text Example

This story was originally published on MPRNews.org.

]]>

Walz sends emergency response to Florida ahead of Category 5 Milton

Mary Murphy — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 22:59:18 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Tim Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard on Monday, Oct. 7 to provide assistance as Hurricane Milton intensifies and approaches Florida.

The deployment of the state's National Guard was announced in a press release Monday, the same day that the National Hurricane Center upgraded Milton to a Category 5 hurricane.

Last week, Walz signed another executive order authorizing a response team to North Carolina, which has been devastated by Hurricane Helene.

“Minnesota will provide every resource we can to support communities across the south that have been devastated this hurricane season,” Walz said in Monday's press release. “In this time of crisis, Minnesota’s first responders have demonstrated unyielding dedication. Their efforts are making a critical difference.”

In North Carolina and South Carolina, the Minnesota National Guard, St. Louis County Mobile Command Post and the Minnesota All Hazard Incident Management Team are currently on site helping with recovery efforts.

The Minnesota National Guard is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security to determine the area’s needs and the mission’s objectives. The press release says the guard will remain in Florida until Nov. 6, or until assistance is no longer needed, whichever comes first.

]]>

Gov. Walz deploys Minnesota National Guard to hurricane-ravaged North Carolina

Mary Murphy — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 23:33:52 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order on Wednesday, Oct. 2 to deploy the Minnesota National Guard to North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene has continued to devastate the southeastern U.S. after hitting Florida on Sept. 26.

The St. Louis County mobile command post is already on its way to North Carolina, according to a Wednesday press release from Walz's office. The Minnesota State Patrol and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office have assembled teams and are awaiting assignment, while the Minnesota State Fire Marshall is working to assemble resources and personnel, the press release said.

“Those recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene are not alone,” Walz, the democratic nominee for vice president, said from the campaign trail. “Minnesota will be there to support the region however we can. As communities rebuild, I am grateful for the dedication of Minnesota’s first responders in answering the call to travel east to help impacted areas.”

Walz is among a handful of governors reported to have sent help to the state. Florida governor Ron Disantes, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are among those who have reportedly allocated aid to North Carolina in the past few days as pleas for help continue.

Walz’s executive order will be in effect until Nov. 1 or until assistance is no longer necessary, whichever comes first, the press release stated.

]]>

Pioneer Perspectives: Chinook helicopter ride to Camp Ripley offers valuable insight

Annalise Braught — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 11:50:00 GMT

It’s been five years since I received a phone call at the Pioneer asking me to cover something about an “ESRG award presentation.”

Upon arriving at the story assignment, I learned that ESGR stands for Employer Support for Guard and Reserve and is a program that helps to support business leaders who have current employees in all branches of the reserve components of the military.

The award being presented was called the Patriot Award and recognizes employers nominated by their employee service members for doing outstanding work in supporting them through training, deployments and more as they navigate the balancing act of living a normal life and being on call for the military.

That fall day in 2019, the awards were presented to Bemidji Ambulance Service and Bemidji Schwan's by Doug Underthun, who retired from the National Guard in 2001 and has been the local representative for the ESGR program for many years.

“When an employee in the National Guard feels like they are getting good support from their employers, they can nominate them for the Patriot Award,” Underthun said at the time. “I go to the units and hand information out about our programs and tell the employee, 'If you really like your employer because they treat you very well and so forth, then put them in for the Patriot Award.' Because it’s good for the employer to be recognized, too.”

Since then we’ve written several more stories about this great organization and the employers in our community doing fantastic work helping our service members receive the support they desperately need to thrive.

As a thank you for our reporting work, I was recently invited to join the annual Boss Lift event held by the ESGR, which offers these community employers a chance to see firsthand what their employees are doing as members of the reserves.

While it was a little out of my comfort zone, I decided to join the fun and use it as a chance to learn a bit more about the group and what takes place at Camp Ripley — a military and civilian training facility operated by the Minnesota National Guard near Little Falls.

On the morning of the event, about 20 local employers gathered at the Bemidji Regional Airport to load up on a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter for a day trip to the base. As soon as the military aircraft landed on the tarmac the reality of what I was about to be part of really hit me.

We’ve all seen that classic movie scene where the back of the helicopter opens up and everyone walks up, bracing against the wind of the propellers — but there was nothing quite like experiencing it in real life. The intensity of the wind whipping my hair and the roar and heat of the turbines hitting me as we approached was unlike anything I’d ever felt.

The communal anxious excitement was obvious as we all filed inside, buckled into our seats and prepared for take off.

Unlike a normal plane ride, the helicopter stayed fairly low and close to the surface for the one-hour ride, which allowed for some great views of the local scenery.

Once we arrived at the military base, we filed off the helicopter and made our way inside the base’s education center for a briefing on what takes place on the base and how it connects to the ESGR from the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion of the 136th Infantry Regiment.

In his presentation, Major Zachary Hendrickson detailed how support from employers is always necessary, but has been even more crucial in recent years.

He explained that between 2010 and 2019 there were 231 soldiers and airmen deployed for 21 state active duty missions, compared to almost 25,000 soldiers being deployed during 2020 and 2021 alone.

One of the more significant deployments was for the unrest in Minneapolis where an entire brigade was sent following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

“The interesting part about that is we were actually on a drill weekend when that happened,” Hendrickson recalled. “I remember at about 2 in the morning, we got a knock on our door that says, ‘Hey, we're being activated to go down to the Twin Cities’ and by 10 a.m. we were leaving Camp Ripley with all of our vehicles, headed down to the cities. That was quite the experience.”

He explained that even in the midst of civil unrest or whatever else might arise on a domestic level, they strive to create as much predictability for reserve employees as possible to help both them and their employers.

“If there is ever any concern about your soldier missing too much work for different drills or training, you can reach out,” he said. “Because we understand that they're a vital piece of your organization as well.”

Hendrickson went on to share more information with the employers in the room about the important role their employees play in keeping Minnesota and the U.S. a safe place to live and work.

“I just want to thank you for being here,” he left off. “I want to thank you for the support of our soldiers. We appreciate the time that they are allowed to be here, away from work, away from their families, and it's because of your continued support. We're excited that you're here and will get to go down range and see some of that different stuff they are doing during their time here. But again, thank you for your continued support.”

Once our informational session concluded, we loaded up on a bus and were given a tour of a few of the training grounds. At the sniper range, we got to witness some hands-on training and everyone was offered the chance to shoot one of the weapons themselves. One of the attendees even shot a target that was 814 feet away!

At the machine gun station, we were able to see several different guns in action including M2 .50 caliber machine guns. While enjoying our lunch afterward, I overheard a few employers chatting about what great insight the whole trip had given them on what their employees are going through when they are on base for training and other duties.

While reflecting on the day’s activities on the trip back, I was mulling over the difference between trying to support someone in something they are going through versus feeling like you can empathize or experience something with someone.

Obviously serving in the military is a unique experience that is hard for many to understand, but this glorified field trip offered these business leaders a little glimpse of what it’s like for their employed service members.

On the helicopter ride home I thought back on the morning briefing, specifically when an ESGR representative was talking about the three-legged stool our service members need to be successful — a willingness to serve, support from their family and quality employment opportunities.

Without steady employment and support, many active military members struggle in civilian life, not knowing what the next day may hold for them. When emergencies arise, we desperately need these soldiers ready and available to help protect those they serve. And that starts with us right here at home.

Though I don’t currently have any service members among my staff, I’m glad to know that there are programs like the ESGR out there ready and waiting to offer guidance and support.

For those interested in learning more about the ESGR or who may wish to nominate their employer for the Patriot Award, visit www.esgr.mil.

Annalise can be reached at

(218) 358-1990

abraught@bemidjipioneer.com.

]]>

Minn. National Guard troops to help fight wildfires in Louisiana

Helmut Schmidt — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 18:13:46 GMT

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota National Guard is sending troops to provide emergency aviation support in the fight against severe wildfires in Louisiana, Gov. Tim Walz’s office announced Friday, Sept. 1.

The Guard is preparing to send a team of 10-12 service members and two UH60 Blackhawk helicopters to support operations in Louisiana, with plans to depart on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

“Minnesotans don’t stand by when there’s a call for help. Thank you to the members of the Minnesota National Guard for answering the call to help battle the wildfires raging through Louisiana,” Walz said in a prepared statement. “We’re committed to helping these communities in need and assisting our partners in Louisiana get these wildfires under control.”

Louisiana is experiencing abnormally high temperatures, historic drought, and dangerous wildfire conditions.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency and requested aviation support under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

]]>